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Looking Back to Christmas Day 1946 

Looking Back Paso Robles

This look back at Paso Robles history comes from local newspapers in the Paso Robles Area Historical Society collection. News for this column is selected with the assistance of the society’s Vice President Nancy Tweedie and Research Director Jan Cannon.

Excerpts from the Wednesday, December 25, 1946, Paso Robles Journal:

Christmas trade hits new high

Bank receipts show Paso Robles has had a splendid Christmas season.

The street decorations of lights and trees gave a holiday air and the playing of Christmas carols during business hours added greatly to the pleasure of shopping.

Merchants report that there was a big demand for gift items with shortages in many lines. Late shoppers found little to choose from but for the last three days the stores stayed open until 9:00 p.m. for their accommodation.

Looking Back Paso Robles

Click here to read the full front page of the December 25, 1946 issue of the Paso Robles Journal

Despite the fact that Camp Roberts was closed and last Christmas the post office was serving 23,500 of the armed forces and civilian workers at camp, the business came within a few dollars of equaling last year’s receipts.

This year the receipts from Dec. 17 to 22 were $2,720, while last year it was only topped by $2,868. The peak day in revenue last year was Dec. 17 with receipts of $796 while Dec. 16 was top day this year, and receipts that day were $579.

Bank receipts this year were slightly higher than last year, the Bank of America reports. Taking the last five years as 100 per cent the bank lists business receipts for the first five weeks of Dec. as follows: 1942, 13 per cent; 1943, 15 per cent, and 1946, 27 per cent plus.

This shows also that despite the closing of the camp business was slightly better than last year, according to bank deposits.

Eagles T & D party entertains big crowd of Paso Robles Children

The Eagles Christmas party for the boys and girls of Paso Robles and vicinity at the T. and D. Theatre Saturday morning was a huge success with 405 girls present, and 440 boys.

Free treats were given each one as he came out of the theatre at the end of the show.

Little Helen Morgan got the “big, booful doll” and Bobby Mandella got the bright shiny red wagon that were given to a lucky ticket holder.

Gas Hike Urged for Roads

An increase in the 3-center per gallon State gasoline tax is recommended by Governor Earl Warren as a means of financing the much needed modernization of California’s highway system.

This was revealed in a press conference at which the Governor asserted that “every delay in the expansion of our highway system will mean greater loss of life, more serious injuries, and retardation of business, industrial and agricultural development in California.”

Plans Made for New C.C. Office

Erection of a building to house the Chamber of Commerce, long the dream of Paso Robles businessmen, may become a reality following Monday night’s meeting of the chamber directors.

This article also reported that the board approved the purchase of additional street lights, “and appointed Sid Tucker as custodian of the lights to keep them under lock and key. In other years many were lost or stolen, it was reported.”

At the Side of the Road

Arem Dee, reports that Chief of Police Millard was disappointed because he did not get a new police car for Christmas. Apparently, someone on the police team had “jimmied up” a police car, resulting in receiving a traffic citation from the California Highway Patrol.

Watch Paso Robles Grow

Be sure to read this column in the lower right corner of the full view of the newspaper. Find out which local residents were born in December 1946.


Read previous Looking Back articles


Thank you to sponsors of Looking Back

Paso Robles Pioneer Museum – Come take a real look back into local Paso Robles history. Open Thursday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 2010 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles, CA 93446, www.pasoroblespioneermuseum.org (805) 239-4556.

Estrella Warbird Museum is an aviation museum dedicated to the restoration and preservation of military aircraft, vehicles, and memorabilia. Woodland Auto Display is also open. Hours: Thursday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, ewarbirds.org, (805) 227-0440.

Creative Concrete & Design delivers the highest level of professional concrete work. Operating in San Luis Obispo County since 2002, Karl Rush brings 35 years of concrete experience to every job and will ensure that you receive the very best quality work. Over the years they have completed a great many works on residential homes. They are very creative and willing to explore options for your next project. Concrete projects have many factors to consider to bring your vision to life. creativeconcreteanddesign.com, (805) 896-1384.

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1800 El Pomar is the site of a historic Templeton ranch located just three miles east of town. The property features an iconic, aged redwood barn, 3 story tank house, original farmhouse with an outdoor garden, original water tank structures, and many other original ranch buildings. Set on 20+ acres of vineyards, the 360-degree views of rolling oak-studded hills and surrounding vines are a photographer’s dream. A prime ceremony location exists in the vineyards behind the barn between two beautiful oaks. The northwest-facing location creates plenty of shade for your guests in an early to late afternoon setting. A perfect venue with plenty of open space to customize your wedding or event. www.1800elpomar.com.

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About the author: Reporter Jackie Iddings

Jackie Iddings is a contributing reporter and photographer for the Paso Robles Daily News.